Director of Student Services

Position Title: Director of Student Services (Middle/High School)

Salary Schedule: State Based Plus Local Supplement

Department: Special Education and Student Services

Job Code:

Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services

Work Schedule: 240 days per year/8 hours per day

Grade/Level: N/A

FLSA: Exempt

Primary Function: Develop and implement special education programs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure that Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are effectively developed and implemented. Requires deep expertise in special education law and a commitment to ensuring compliance and organizational effectiveness. Provides direction and leadership for the overall administration and coordination of Special Education Program to provide instructional services to students with disabilities, for middle and high schools.  Demonstrates effective collaboration and communication across the organization, with the community and other agencies, and with school-home partnerships.

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands:

Office Environment

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard

Constant Interruptions

Hearing and speaking to exchange information

Ability to prioritize

Seeing to read a variety of materials

Sitting for extended periods of time

Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to file materials

Must hold or be eligible for a Georgia Certificate of Level 5 or Higher in Leadership/Administration

A minimum of five (5) years teaching/administrative experience in the area of special education required.

School administration, central office leadership, and secondary scheduling experience preferred.

Extensive knowledge of state and federal special education laws (IDEA) and evidence-based practices.

Ability to collaborate and communicate in an effective and positive manner.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

1.

Vision & Strategy: Supports the Executive Director’s vision and strategic direction for the student services department, aligning with the overall district Strategic Goals.

2.

Program Management: Oversees the development, implementation, continuous improvement, and accountability of special education programs and student support services. Provides performance feedback and evaluates leaders within the department.

3.

Operational Excellence: Manages the day-to-day operations of the student services department, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. Supports the allotment development process and effective secondary scheduling.

4.

IEPs & Compliance: Coordinates the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring all students with disabilities receive appropriate services in accordance with IDEA and best practices. Knowledge of transition planning in the areas of post-secondary education, vocational education, employment (including supported employment), income, social security and medical insurance, living arrangements, leisure time activities, independent living skills.

5.

Collaboration & Culture: Cultivates a collaborative culture within the department and across the district, promoting effective communication and teamwork among staff, families, and community partners. Effectively collaborates with other central office leaders and departments to ensure cohesive central office support for schools.

6.

Legal Compliance: Stays abreast of legislation and regulations governing special education, ensuring district compliance. Coordinates with legal counsel on due process and procedural safeguards.

7.

Behavior Support: Supports the implementation of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to reduce disruptive behavior. Collaborates with the School Leadership and Teaching and Learning Divisions to develop clear processes for supporting school administrators in identifying and coordinating behavior support for students with disabilities.

8.

Budget & Resources: Manages the student services department's local, state, and federal budget processes. Collaborates with district leaders to secure appropriate resources. Communicates a transparent process for needs assessment, budget, and allotment recommendations.

9.

Curriculum & Instruction: Leads development and implementation of the special education curriculum and instruction, ensuring alignment with state standards and continuity across instructional tiers. Collaborates with Teaching and Learning to ensure coherence and alignment of instructional programs. Continuously monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of special education programs and instruction.

10.

Community & Family Engagement: Collaborates with families, parent groups, advocacy groups, and community partners to ensure appropriate services for students. Organizes stakeholder committees and facilitates two-way communication.

11.

Problem-Solving Support: Assists principals and other administrators in resolving problems related to special education and student services at the local school level.

12.

Additional Responsibilities: Additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee